The June 21st incident at BJ's restaurant, which was initially reported as an armed robbery and prompted the Newark and Union City PD SWAT team response on Escalonia Dr, was determined through further investigation to be a gang related confrontation during which a weapon was used to intimidate the victim. The victim is not a gang member and just happened to be in front of the restaurant when he was confronted and misidentified as a rival gang member.

All three suspects were identified as documented local gang members and search warrants were executed at their residences where further evidence was located. Two juveniles have been arrested for charges related to this incident; the primary suspect, 19-year-old male, Jessie Ledesma, remains at-large.

A felony warrant for Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Brandishing a Weapon with a Gang Enhancement has been issued and the Newark Police Department is actively searching for Ledesma, described as Hispanic male with black hair, brown eyes, 5'-10", 210 lbs.

If you have any information related to the whereabouts of Jessie Ledesma, please contact Detective Shannon Todd with the Newark Police Department at (510) 578-4289 or the Newark Police Department at (510) 578-4237.